Concluding questions:

1.In terms of maximizing diffusion, what was the most effective size cube that you tested?

The cube that we found was most efficient at absorbing/diffusing was our smallest cube approximately

2.Why was that size most effective at maximizing diffusion? What are the important factors that affect how materials diffuse into cells or tissues?

The size cube was most effective at maximizing diffusion because of its smaller SA:V ratio, the Sodium hydroxide was able to fully penetrate the the cube in the prescribed ten minutes. This proves that an important factor contributing to the the diffusion of materials into our cells and tissues is cell size overall, the smaller the cell; the more efficient at diffusing materials.

3.If a large surface area is helpful to cells, why do cells not grow to be very large?

Because a larger surface area implies an accompanying larger volume which is less efficient for the cells interior functions.

4.You have three cubes, A, B, and C. They have surface to volume ratios of 3:1, 5:2, and 4:1 respectively. Which of these cubes is going to be the most effective at maximizing diffusion, how do you know this?

The cube that is going to be the most effective at maximizing diffusion will be the cube with the 4:1 surface area to volume ratio, this is because where a larger surface are is beneficial to cells, a large volume is not.

5.How does your body adapt surface area-to-volume ratios to help exchange gases?

When the cell grows, the surface area to volume ratio then increases and starts to become larger, this is necessary for the ability for cells to exchange gasses because gasses must be transferred and diffused through the cell membrane making up the surface area of the cell.

6.Why can’t certain cells, like bacteria, get to be the size of a small fish?

Cells like bacteria cannot grow to be the sizes of small fish because when they reach a certain size they will divide in order to maintain a healthy surface area to volume ratio.

7.What are the advantages of large organisms being multicellular?

Large organisms are multicellular as it allows them to contain different cells that will serve different purposes and also allow the organism to grow.